Bowling game apparatus

ABSTRACT

A bowling game apparatus that combines some of the features of Bowling, Miniature Golf and Pinball concepts into an integrated game of skill and chance that can be played indoors. The game apparatus is played on lanes such that each lane is distinctly different such as Miniature Golf holes wherein ten lanes are played sequentially, as Miniature Golf, such that each lane comprises a frame and the ten played lanes comprises a single game or string. The game apparatus is scored the same as Candlepin and Duckpin bowling. Each unique lane is not like a bowling alley but can be free formed in different shapes, lengths and proximity to one another as found in Miniature Golf. The game apparatus can be installed in a center where more than one 10 lane set can be located. In addition, the each ten lanes of the apparatus can be set up in the same or differing themes such as pirates, jungle, western, etc. The bowling game apparatus can be accomplished without the need for expensive wooden or synthetic lanes that must be critically leveled and assiduously maintained. Further, there is no need for special shoes for the players to prevent damage to the playing surfaces. Other features found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines make the game more fun, faster and exciting. The game can be challenging for adults but permits children to compete on a equal footing with adults; and gives the players the feeling that they playing a bowling type of game while standing inside a Pinball machine.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/280,824 filed Nov. 9, 2009 pursuant to 35 USC §119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to indoor recreational sporting games, inparticular, relating to throwing a ball down a fixed path to knock downten standing pins, with each knocked down pin contributing to an overallscore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Knocking pins down with a ball rolled along a prepared surface is one ofthe oldest games in the history of the world. Artifacts have beenuncovered which indicate that this game dates back 3200 B.C. which makesbowling over five thousand years old. Today, this recreational activitycan be found in over 90 countries and practiced by more than one hundredmillion people.

While there are presently three major variations of bowling beingpracticed today, Ten Pin bowling is the most popular since beingintroduced on television in the 1950's. Modern indoor bowling consistsof a player throwing a spherical ball on a level, narrow, rectangularsurface, called an alley or lane, towards ten pins arranged in atriangular pattern, attempting to knock over as many pins as possible.As most bowling centers provide Ten Pin type of bowling, specificationsfor this type of bowling are referenced. Each pin must be 15 inches highand 4.7 inches wide at its widest point. The weight is specified as 3lbs. 6 ounces.

The bowling ball is 22.5 inches in circumference and cannot weigh morethan 16 lbs. In light of these requirements, this game is unsuitable forchildren due to the size and weight of the ball.

A bowling alley is about 41 inches wide and 60 feet long not includingball returns or gutters on each side of the alley. Placement of anapproach area and room for pin setting equipment and access to it mustalso be provided. Therefore, a building that is at least 100 feet wideis required. Each alley or lane is aligned adjacent to one another in aline. Typically, bowling centers have 30 or more lanes. Lanes must beextremely level to within 40 one-thousandths of an inch.

Modern lanes are now equipped with digital scoring, decorative lighting,as well as often including other forms of recreation such as pin ballmachines. The lanes are now constructed of synthetic materials that looklike an original wood floored lane. The cost of construction for such acenter can easily exceed one million dollars.

Pins that are knocked down are automatically reset. The automaticpinsetter machine was introduced by the Brunswick Corporation in 1952.Scoring is kept on digital display boards.

Knocking all ten pins over with a single ball thrown is called a“strike”. Knocking all ten over with two balls is called a “spare”. Agame of bowling (often called a “string”) is divided into ten frames,with each frame constituting of an attempt to knock all ten pins down.The maximum score that can be attained is 300. That score is based onobtaining ten strikes in a row, with each strike obtaining a bonus scoreof the number of pins knocked down with the next two successive ballsthrown. A spare provides a bonus score of the number of pins knockeddown with the next ball thrown. A perfect score is achievable byprofessional bowlers or particularly skilled amateurs.

In an attempt to make the game easier for children and less skilledadults, the gutters at the edge of each lane that trap a poorly aimedball have been replaced by automatically inserted bumpers for thosebowlers wishing a helping hand. They also can be automatically removedfor those not needing assistance.

A variation of the game is called Candlepin bowling. The scoring is thesame. However, the equipment is substantially different. Developed inWorcester, Mass. in 1880, the balls are much smaller, being 4½ inches indiameter and weighing not more than 2 lbs. 7 ounces. Pins are 15¾ incheshigh, approximately 3 inches wide at the center and weighing only 2½lbs. Another variation from Ten Pin bowling is when the player isallowed three balls per frame and the pins that are knocked over(deadwood) are not removed but left in place until the frame has beencompleted. The highest officially sanctioned score ever achieved was265.

Another variation of bowling is Duckpin bowling. The rules of scoringare the same but three balls per frame are permitted as in Candlepin.The balls are similar to candlepin balls weighing only 2-4 lbs. Theballs are small enough and light enough so that children can handle themeasily. The pins resemble Ten Pin style but are shorter and lighter. Thehighest score officially sanctioned was 279.

A variant of Duckpin bowling was developed to introduce higher scores byfitting the pins with rubber bands. The rubber bands are made of hardrubber and encircle the pins, which increases the action when the pinsare struck. Perfect games have been achieved in rubber band Duckpinbowling, including the largest Duckpin prize ever won on television,CAD$50,000 in 1994.

Another popular ancient sport using a ball is the game of Golf. Theprecursor to Golf originated in Roman times with the modern versioncoming into existence about the 12^(th) century in Scotland. A golfcourse requires a major expense to build so in the early 1920's, aminiature version of the game was created that utilizes only a putterand putting greens. Thus, the original course having many acres of landand extensive manicured lawns has been reduced to a relatively smallarea featuring obstacles such as alleys, bridges, tunnels and so on. TheMiniature Golf courses frequently have themes such as pirates,fairyland, jungle land, etc. As Miniature Golf became more popular, thecourses have become more elaborate and challenging with many holes nowencompassing water hazards, caves, multiple paths to reach the hole andso on.

Still another recreational ball game that has a long history is Pinball.Pinball machines appeared in great numbers during the 1930's. D.Gottlieb & Company was one of the early pioneers with the invention offlippers; the game was changed from one of being totally a game ofchance to one requiring a level of skill. With the advent of computers,the games have incorporated this technology so that the new versions areentirely microprocessor-controlled having amazing graphics and lightshows.

All of these ball games require a certain level of skill to participateeffectively. Bowling, as it is presently practiced, is solely a skillgame. Further, it does not qualify as a family game as children lack thedexterity to control the ball as well as the strength to throw withsufficient force to knock the pins over. In Ten Pin bowling, the ballsare too large for small children to handle as well as being too heavy.The balls can be made lighter but then small children still lack thestrength and dexterity.

Miniature Golf is a better family game as the element of luck has beenintroduced along with the skill. Also, putters can be made small enoughso that small children can easily handle them. However, this game, as itis played outside, is only enjoyable when the weather is fair and warm.Further, while the area of land required is far less than a conventionalgolf course, it is still substantially greater than that needed for abowling center.

Pinball also offers a substantial element of chance as well as quickaction. With flashing lights, buzzers, flippers, pop up targets, andpopular themes, the current versions of Pinball have experienced arevival of interest and resurgence of popularity since skill has beenintroduced into the pinball machine designs, which were formallystrictly a matter of luck.

Each of the above referenced extremely popular sport/games offersdistinct attributes. Bowling requires solely skill to play well.Miniature Golf combines a greater degree of luck as well as skill.Pinball can be viewed as a game of chance or skill depending on theperson's skill level of activating the flippers. However, there is notfound in the prior art a game of skill/chance that utilizes theadvantages of each of the three into a combination game that is an idealfamily recreational game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatusthat combines some of the features of Bowling, Miniature Golf andPinball concepts into an integrated game of skill and chance that can beplayed indoors.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling gameapparatus that is played on lanes such that each lane is distinctlydifferent such as miniature golf holes wherein ten lanes are playedsequentially, as miniature golf, such that each lane comprises a frameand the ten played lanes comprises a single game or string.

It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling gameapparatus that is scored the same as Candlepin and Duckpin bowling.

It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling gameapparatus where each unique lane is not like a bowling alley but can befree formed in different shapes, lengths and proximity to one another asfound in miniature golf.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatusthat can be installed in a center where more than one 10 lane set can belocated.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatusthat uses ten pins for each alley and wherein the size and shape of thepins can be similar to candle pins or duckpins.

It is another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling gameapparatus that uses rubber banded pins to increase the action.

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatusthat uses balls that are sized and weighted much like Candlepin andDuckpin balls so that the balls can be easily handled by a child.

It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling gameapparatus such that each lane has at least one obstacle wherein thatobstacle can either be passive or active.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatussuch that each lane has at least a portion thereof that is declining inelevation in order to use the force of gravity to increase the speed ofthe ball to ensure that the ball reaches the pins.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatusthat uses side gutters as in traditional bowling lanes or gutter trapsas in golf that prevent the ball from reaching the pins.

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatussuch that the arrangement of the ten lanes are positioned so that thepin area of each lane can be adjacent to an automatic pin settingmachine and an automatic ball return device.

Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling gameapparatus such that the passive obstacles can be selected from one ormore of the group consisting of bumpers, multiple paths to the pins,chutes or ramps or loops, fixed impediments, steep elevation drops orrises, angular redirections, uneven surfaces, and banked curves.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling gameapparatus such that the active obstacles can be selected from one ormore of the group consisting of hidden impediments that pop-up randomlyaffecting the path of a ball thrown; active bumpers, ramps or otherstructures that affect the speed or direction of the ball; specialcontact points in the alley that provide bonus score; gutter openingsthat can open randomly or by player control, and moving obstacles thatmust be timed to prevent the ball from being diverted.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatusthat can be handicapped by the players to enable children to competeeffectively with adults wherein the handicapping is accomplished bycontrolling the active obstacles.

Finally, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling gameapparatus that can be provided without the need for expensive wooden orsynthetic lanes that must be critically leveled and assiduouslymaintained, or that require the need for special shoes for the playersto prevent damage to the playing surfaces, and other features found inMiniature Golf and Pinball machines that make the game more fun, fasterand exciting; can be challenging for adults but permits children tocompete on a equal footing with adults; and gives the players thefeeling that they playing a bowling type of game while standing inside apinball machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top and side view of a passive obstacle on a bowling lane inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top and side view of an alternative passive obstacle showingan “s” curve and banks.

FIG. 3 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacleshowing a split lane adaptation.

FIG. 4 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclehaving a corkscrew arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclehaving a loop and ramp.

FIG. 6 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclewith a tunnel.

FIG. 7 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclewith a steep decline.

FIG. 8 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclewith multiple tunnels.

FIG. 9 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclewith staggered impediments to the path of the ball.

FIG. 10 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacleof a water trap.

FIG. 11 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstaclewith two fixed structures, one making it more difficult and the othermaking it less difficult for the ball to hit the pins.

FIG. 12 is a top and side view of an active obstacle that has movingimpediments that are introduced randomly.

FIG. 13 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle thathas a spinner that can be set to improve or lessen the score for thatframe.

FIG. 14 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle thathas at least one gutter hole that is controlled by the player.

FIG. 15 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle thatfeatures random bonus pin(s).

FIG. 16 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle thatfeatures contact bumpers and spots.

FIG. 17 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle thathas fold-down moving targets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a bowling game that has been redesigned to incorporatefeatures found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines to improve the funof the sport as well as to enable handicapping the players at the timeof playing the game without the need of relying on past performance suchthat children can compete with adults. The invention combinestraditional bowing with the aspects of Miniature Golf and Pinballmachines to produce a game that is much more exciting as well as havinga significant element of chance to enhance a player's enjoyment,especially for those who have less skill.

Each game comprises uniquely designed lanes/alleys 10 with each lane 10having one or more active or passive obstacle that can improve or worsenthe likelihood of knocking over the pins with a thrown ball. A facilityhaving this type of bowling will have 10 such lanes, or multiples of 10,wherein each set of 10 lanes is necessary to play a single game orstring. Each set of 10 will have a distinct theme such as jungle,pirates, fantasy, etc. Multiple sets in the same facility could alsohave multiple themes if desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, the balls 18 are preferably the size of Candlepin orDuckpin balls, that is, 5 inches in diameter having a weight that issufficiently light such that children can handle them easily. Pin 14 inthe accompanying drawings are shown as Candlepin style of pins; however,pin 14 could also be sized and shaped in accordance with regulationDuckpin. These pins could also be rubber banded to increase the actionto achieve higher scores.

As in traditional bowling, 10 frames of bowling comprise a single gameor string. However, with the invention, each frame is played on adifferent alley with the player moving from one alley to the next afterthrowing up to three balls, if needed, to knock all ten (10) pins 14down. A player can achieve strikes, spares, and tens or single digitswith the score achieved in each frame totaled to reach a final score.Automatic pinsetters, automatic ball returns and video scoring systemswill be used just as in traditional bowling.

Each lane 10 is made entirely of synthetic materials eliminating theneed for leveled wood or synthetic lanes or special shoes. The lanes arenot flat but use a gradient to increase the speed of the ball. The speedof the ball for children can be augmented by the use of flippers oractivated ramps or bumpers to handicap the game such that each playermay have a more equal chance to win. Each lane 10 may or may not havetraditional gutters. If they have gutters, lanes 10 may be equipped withcontrollable bumpers so that the bumpers can be inserted or removed asdesired.

As in Miniature Golf players move from one lane to the next, with eachlane accounting for one frame of the total score. Since the lanes arenot uniform in width, length or proximity to one another, various layoutpatterns are possible depending on the dimensions of the building thatthe invention is installed therein.

While numerous hazards, obstacles, bonuses and assists can be provided;all such features can be classified as either active or passive. Asshown in the accompanying drawings, representative embodiments of bothare discussed. Note that the following should not be considered asexhaustive as the type and variety of hazards, both active and passive,is almost limitless.

Referring to FIG. 1, a typical lane 10 is shown. Note that surface 22decreases in elevation from throw line 20 to pins 15, thus ensuring thatgravity makes it certain ball 18 will reach pins 15 even when a child isplaying. As in traditional bowling, an approach area 12 is provided sothat the player can have room to take a couple of steps before launchingball 18. Also note that the width of lane 10 can be irregular as shown.While gutters are not shown, they could be added, if desired. In thisconfiguration, one or more smooth mounds 24 are provided. Each mound 24are banked and inclined so that ball 18 may carom off and be deflectedfrom the path initially thrown. Also, banks 16 can enable the player totry to avoid mounds 24 by substantially changing the path of ball 18.

FIG. 2 shows a different passive obstacle. In this design, “S” curve 26is provided. Curve 26 is banked so that the thrown ball 18 must beangled to play the “lay of the land” as in golf.

FIG. 3 shows a split alley configuration. As shown, object 18 can beplaced such that ball 18 can be thrown on either side to hit pins 15.The player may also go over the top of object 18 with ball 18 beingslightly airborne. Since the surface of lane 10 lacks the precision of atraditional bowling alley, the path of ball 18 is less certain thereforethe element of chance increases.

FIG. 4 shows the use of corkscrew 30 such that the exit is directedtoward pin 14 of pins 15. The player can also elect to avoid corkscrew30 by directing ball 18 to either side as in the FIG. 3 configuration.

FIG. 5 shows the use of loop 32 and ramp 34 in combination. Even if ball18 does not have sufficient velocity to traverse loop 32, it will stillreach pins 15 due to the decline of alley 10.

FIG. 6 shows the use of tunnel 36 located essentially centered in lane10. While traversing tunnel 36 is preferable to hit pin 14 whichprovides the greatest chance to knock pins 15 over with a single throw,subsequent throws may be more effective, for example, to obtain a spare,by throwing ball 18 to the left or right of tunnel 36, depending onwhich pins 15 are being targeted.

FIG. 7 shows the use of long steep decline 38. In this lane 10, gravityis doing a large part of the work.

FIG. 8 shows the use of multiple tunnels 40. As can be seen, tunnel 40that yields the best chance of a strike is not necessarily the tunnel inthe center. Again, the element of chance is introduced into the game.

FIG. 9 shows the use of fixed obstacles 42 that are positioned atvarious locations on lane 10.

FIG. 10 shows the use of water trap 44 that provides a hazard to ball 18reaching pins 15. Trap 44 could be filled with material other than watersuch as colored sand that will merely slow the ball on its path to reachpins 15. Trap 44 could also have a hidden chute so that ball 18 missespins 15 altogether.

FIG. 11 shows the uses of obstacle 46, which is meant to be avoided, andstructure 48, which is meant to be hit in combination with one anotheron the same lane 10. Structure 48 could be designed so that it helps tofocus ball 18 into the strike zone of pins 15 so that knocking over agreater number of pins is assured.

The first active device in use with invention 10 is shown in FIG. 12. Inthis example of the number of obstacles 50 that can randomly pop up areshown. With this type of hazard, the use of handicapping can clearlycome into play. If the player is a child, this obstacle 50 could beturned off entirely or slowed or made in a predictable sequence.Conversely, if the player was a skilled adult, obstacles 50 could bemade more frequent or more of them, etc. to make hitting pins 15 muchmore difficult. Other active devices such as foot or hand operated“flippers” that cause an arm to deflect the direction of ball 18 (notshown) or even a coiled spring and plunger (as in pinball machines) (notshown) to launch ball 18 more quickly than would be possible by a smallchild can be added.

In FIG. 13, the use of spinner 52 provides another method of adjustingthe score without the player having to knock down pins. The spinner,which is digitally controlled in a similar manner as found in a pinballmachine, could be set to either add or subtract pins. The player on thesecond or third throw might try to hit the spinner, gambling that thespinner could yield a better score than by knocking down the remainingpins. This type of device can also provide handicapping by the playerselecting the number of possible points to be added or subtracted.

FIG. 14 shows the use of gutter holes 54. While it was previouslymentioned that gutters that are typically used in traditional bowlingalleys could be used with the invention, gutter holes 54 provide anadditional challenge and/or opportunity for handicapping. If gutterholes 54 are passive, then skill would be the primary factor in avoidingthese hazards. However, if gutter holes 54 are active, in other words,if they can be opened and closed, then this provides another opportunityfor randomness to be introduced as well as another opportunity forhandicapping the outcome when children are playing against adults. Asshown, gutter holes 54 would lead to the ball return mechanism (notshown) so that ball 18 will be returned to a player for the next throw.

FIG. 15 shows the opportunity for having special pins 56 that providebonus points to be introduced in the game. One or more of these can beintroduced during the game. While these can be used to provide a greaterscore if knocked down, again this can be used to provide handicapping,controllable by the players. The use of a special pin 56 can also beintroduced by the establishment owner to provide a prize for a playerthat gets a strike if that pin 56 is in the head pin spot as is done intraditional bowling centers.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show examples of pinball machine devices that can beused with lane 10 to increase scores and entertainment. As in pinballmachines or slot machines, when a particular set of circumstancesoccurs, it is accompanied by flashing lights, sirens, bells, or othernoises to let everyone in the surrounding area know that something ofconsequence has just happened. Bumpers 58, when contacted, can addpoints to a score, impart a force to ball 18, cause lights to flash ornoise to occur, or combination of all of these. Note that contactbumpers 60 are comparable to the bumpers in a pinball machine which whenstruck cause a light to flash as well as score. Hitting two in sequencemight be set to cause a special bonus situation to happen such asawarding a free game if a strike is thrown when a particular light islit. The aforementioned active devices increase game excitement andenjoyment and, as mentioned above, give the players the sensation thatthey are inside a pinball machine.

Swinging targets 62 also offer the opportunity to adjust the scoreeither upwards or downwards or to permit a greater degree ofhandicapping. It is also possible to include pinball type “flippers”which can be activated by the player such as a ramp that will pop up toprovide greater velocity to ball 18.

Each lane is individually designed and will have one or more of thesetypes of structures included in lane 10. The overall configuration ofthe lanes, the length, the width, type of hazards, bonus elements, etc.is dependent upon the theme that is selected and the type and size ofthe building used to house the invention. It is anticipated that thisinvention can be adapted to multilevel buildings just as easily assingle floor structures.

As noted above, the uniquely designed lanes 10 provide variable scoringthat increases the opportunity for younger players or the less skilledto achieve a high game score than the rest in their playing party bybeing “lucky”. The pins 15 can be knocked over in a variety ways and,due to the inherent level of randomness built into the design, each gameplayed will be unique, making play more exciting and uncertain. A fiveyear old can stand a much better chance of beating a parent as not.

While certain representative embodiments of the invention have beendescribed herein for the purposes of illustration, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art that modification therein may be madewithout departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A bowling game apparatus comprising: ten individually distinctbowling lanes or alleys wherein each lane has ten pins wherein a playersequentially attempts to knock down the pins with three thrown ballssuch that each completed lane by the player constitutes a frame, andwhen all ten lanes have been completed, constitutes a game or stringwherein the game is scored in accordance with the number of pins knockeddown as in traditional bowling; and wherein each individually distinctlane is free formed into differing shapes, lengths, widths and proximityto one another.
 2. The bowling game of claim 1 wherein each pin is sizedand shaped similar to the pins in candlepin bowling.
 3. The bowling gameof claim 1 wherein each pin is sized and shaped similar to the pins induckpin bowling.
 4. The bowling game of claim 1 wherein each ball thatis used to knock the pins is sized and weighted such that the ball canbe handled and thrown by a child.
 5. The bowling game of claim 4 furthercomprising a circumferential rubber band that is attached to thecircumference of each pin in order to increase the action when the ballstrikes the pins.
 6. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein eachindividually distinct bowling lane has at least one obstacle that isplaced between the player and the pins.
 7. The bowling game apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein said at least one obstacle is a passive obstacle.
 8. Thebowling game apparatus of claim 6 wherein said at least one obstacle isan active obstacle.
 9. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein atleast one of said ten individually distinct bowling lanes declines inelevation from a point where the player stands when throwing the balltoward the pins such that the force of gravity is used to increase thespeed of the ball when the ball hits the pins.
 10. The bowling gameapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one lane of said apparatus furthercomprises side gutters that are used in traditional bowling.
 11. Thebowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one lane of saidapparatus further comprises gutter traps as in golf that will preventthe ball from reaching the pins.
 12. The bowling game apparatus of claim1 wherein the arrangement of the lanes is such that each lane ispositioned adjacent to an automatic pin setting machine and an automaticball return machine.
 13. The bowling game apparatus of claim 7 whereinthe passive obstacle is selected from the group consisting of bumpers,multiple paths to the pins, chutes, ramps, loops, fixed impediments,steep elevation drops, elevation rises angular redirections, unevensurfaces and banked curves.
 14. The bowling game apparatus of claim 8wherein at least one active obstacle is selected from the groupconsisting of hidden impediments that pop-up randomly affecting the pathof the thrown ball, active bumpers, moving ramps affecting speed anddirection of the ball, special contact points in the lane to providebonus score, randomly opening gutter locations, moving obstacles whichmay be player controlled to redirect the path of the ball and movingobstacles that the player must time the ball thrown in order to beavoided.
 15. The bowling game apparatus of claim 14 wherein the activeobstacles can be controlled to provide a handicap such that children caneffectively compete with adults.